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TOTD // 16/02 // Nicola Cruz

Published: February 16, 2017, words by Watch The Hype

Nicola Cruz is an Ecuador-based artist who has created a unique space within the industry for himself with his Afro- Ecuadorian music. Exotic sounds, soul-stirring melodies and airy tones characterise his music. Cruz has never been one to shy away from reaching deep into his culture and tradition, bringing to the world music that has been a part of his people’s lives for eons. If his melody evokes the visuals of Ecuador, it is not by accident but by careful design that this goal is achieved.

Pulsating combination of rich, traditional sounds with modern notes…

Cruz’s passion for bringing alive the ancient, ritualistic music of Ecuador does not keep him locked in the past. He has a unique, innate skill to marry this kind of music with the trending, fast paced notes that the modern day musician adopts. His experience and exposure as a percussionist shows in all his work simply because of his ability to create a melody that resonates with the audience and makes them come alive.

Nicola Cruz brings to the table many talents. He is a DJ and electronic producer apart from being a talented and dynamic musician. Although he was born in France, Cruz ensures that his music reflects the South American spirit and its exotic legacy of soundscapes and thus, his love for his homeland.

Cruz’s inspiration comes from his passion for the South American life, culture and people. The rhythms, rituals and traditions of the land find voice in his melodies and this is why his music resonates with nature, with Mother Earth. A beautiful amalgam of rich, deep exuberant sounds and soothing, sensuous cadences- Cruz manages to keep patrons of varied musical styles captivated to his music with ease. Deeply rooted in rhythm yet maintain a perfect balance with a melody, Cruz consistently delivers music that can cut across geographical boundaries with ease. He is the man behind QTZLT and he has also made his presence felt in Nicolas Jaar’s label.

Cruz’s debut album was Prender el Ama which was released on ZZK records. His latest release Cantos de Vision (available here) takes forward his passion for blending rhythm with melody in a way that has the listener absorbing the music without any effort. With this release, Nicola Cruz returns to his roots, in a way, because this is dance music at its best. The production is of international standards and the presentation of the folkloric tunes is modern and upbeat despite being firmly rooted in the age old traditional melodic legacy that they are adopted from.

Today, showcasing his influences through Tracks Of The Day, Nicola Cruz selects music from a range of genres. “In no specific order, these songs have stuck with me for the last months. All big influences for what I do daily, while driving, tripping and before getting into the studio.”

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

Stratus

““This contemporary mother of the synths scores a ten every time I listen to her work. It’s impressive how she manages to use modular gear, in an orchestral fashion, in depth, not just creating blips and blops but real full scores of beautiful music.””

Auntie Flo

Rainfall On Red Earth

““This is probably one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve heard so far this year. A motivation for my field recordings, how to capture ambience, how to let songs breathe. I feel very inspired when I see how a musician has evolved throughout the years, because is the only direction we should take””

Mala

Kotos (feat. Asociacion Juvenil Puno)

““Mirrors was released last year, in a great attempt to unite elegant UK dubstep with Peruvian traditional music. He keeps it subtle, forward thinking. Reminds me of how a good fusion of worlds is done.””